Apple Enhances Siri and Spotlight Features in iOS 17
In the latest iOS 17 update, Apple has introduced several enhancements to its on-device personal assistant Siri and the Spotlight search feature. While there are no major changes, both Siri and Spotlight have received improvements that make them easier to use and more efficient.
One notable change in iOS 17 is the removal of the wake word “Hey Siri” when activating the personal assistant. Users can now simply say “Siri” to activate the feature, allowing for a more natural and seamless interaction. For example, saying “Siri, can you tell me what time it is?” is recognized and understood by Siri.
Another significant improvement is the ability of Siri to respond to multiple back-to-back requests without needing to be reactivated. Users can ask Siri to perform a series of tasks without interruption, such as asking for the time and then requesting to send a message to a friend, all in a single Siri command.
Siri now also has the ability to read web articles in Safari. By saying “Siri, read this to me,” the personal assistant can read the content of a web page as long as Reader View is available on the site. Moreover, Siri supports playback tools, allowing users to control the reading experience from the Lock Screen.
Additionally, Siri messaging now provides the option to choose from different messaging apps when sending a message. Users can select third-party apps like Telegram and WhatsApp, in addition to Apple’s built-in Messages app, to send messages via Siri.
Siri can now be activated in StandBy mode, which turns a charging iPhone into a home hub. When in StandBy mode, Siri displays results in a new full-screen UI in landscape mode. For example, if the user asks about the weather, the results will include the current temperature and weather condition icons.
Furthermore, iOS 17 introduces two new “British” Siri voices, bringing the total number of available voices to four. This update caters to users in the United Kingdom who prefer a native accent.
In India, iOS 17 supports bilingual Siri queries that can mix English with languages like Hindi, Telegu, Punjabi, Kannada, or Marathi. This enhancement allows users to interact with Siri in their native languages for a more personalized experience.
Spotlight search results have also seen improvements in iOS 17. Results now display new colors and app icons to make it easier for users to identify different options. For instance, if a search result suggests tapping into Safari for a web search about cats, instead of the previous magnifying glass icon, users will see a Safari icon.
When searching for a specific app in Spotlight, the top hits section now offers App Shortcuts. For example, if a user frequently accesses their Favorites album in the Photos app, Spotlight will display a direct link to the Favorites album from the search interface.
For a more detailed overview of all the new features in iOS 17, users can refer to Apple’s iOS 17 roundup, which provides additional information and insights.
With these enhancements, Apple aims to streamline the user experience and make Siri and Spotlight search more intuitive and versatile in iOS 17.